Mary Allen
Most aggressive cats in the vet’s office are just fearful. Conscious handling of the animal is the key to successful treatment.
A calm atmosphere is the best basis for treating anxious patients. Therefore, a critical review of the general work processes for disturbing noises and other stressors should be carried out first.
External silence: Starting with the ring tone and the volume of conversations in the registration area, from the background noise in the waiting room to noises in the treatment room, there are many ways to reduce the noise level.
Inner peace: This is what the patient feels first – we should check our state of mind again and again. When we are very stressed or overly excited, this can rub off on our anxious patients or be intimidating.
Take your time and be patient
Especially in the case of anxious or even very shy patients, this is the be-all and end-all of successful treatment. From the preparation to the arrival of the patient, the greeting, the treatment steps, to boarding the basket.
Give the cat freedom
Physical contact should be entirely voluntary whenever possible. Of course, it is illusory that this can be maintained one hundred percent in all cases. However, we should always take the time to try and not assume that it can’t work because the cat sees us as a threat anyway and isn’t interested.
So: Let the cat decide for itself when contact with us can begin. Each animal has its own pace. So with a lot of patience, we can give the freedom to explore the new space and also the people in it. This gives the cat a sense of overview and control over the situation.
In an optimal cat treatment room, there are only clear “hiding places” such as the window sill, a drawer specially prepared for this purpose, or a real scratching post. Hiding places from which you have to pull the cat out must be secured (e.g. under or behind the cupboards). You can read here which positions are suitable for treating an anxious cat.
Allow withdrawal
In addition to hiding places in the treatment room, the carrier should always remain a space where the cat can feel safe; If possible, no painful procedures, such as burning injections, should be carried out there. As a “hiding place” for the treatment room, for example, the practice’s basket, which can be set up again and again with cozy and pleasantly smelling textiles, is a good idea.
Calm about communication
It helps to speak calmingly in a voice that is as deep as possible; both with the cats and with the people in the room. Every owner, no matter how excited, will also calm down at some point if we consistently communicate in a relaxed manner. In this way, we can have an effect without touching.
Of course, touching and fixation cannot be completely avoided during treatment, even if the anxious cat patient would prefer not to do it at all.
Consider individual needs
An anxious cat is not the same as an anxious cat. Individual needs should always be considered. Notes in the chart about the cat’s personality and any actions that work well or not at all for that patient will help prepare for the next visit. Sustainable is a terminology agreed upon in the team for the different cat personalities so that everyone knows what to expect. A simple “CAVE” usually doesn’t help, but only causes a lot of excitement.
Reaching into the medicine cabinet
The same applies here: with good preparation for a stress-free cat practice. If we use gentle preparations in a planned manner, we can achieve an effect that is comparable to sedation or it can help to avoid general anesthesia.
Our ultimate goal is a relaxed cat in a relaxed atmosphere. In some cases, for example, the use of pheromones or feed additives can also support the owner, who often also experiences the vet visit with great suffering. It allows him to actively do something.
Frequently Asked Question
Why is my cat suddenly so scared?
Reasons for fear of cats
In other words, an anxious cat appears to be constantly stressed and frightened for no apparent reason. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a reason, though. It may just take some time to find out the cause.
How does a cat behave when scared?
Her body language tells you she’s scared, and she won’t calm down until she feels safe again. Body language of a cat who is scared: The cat’s ears are folded back and flat against the head. Her head is tilted down and her gaze goes up.
How do you calm a cat?
Scented oils or special scented cushions can have a calming effect on your velvet paw. However, these should only be used in very careful doses. Valerian, lavender, and lemon balm are classic soothing scents.
How do I show a cat not to be afraid?
Show calm and patience
Important: Don’t comfort or pity the cat! This could confirm her fears and only make her more insecure. Appears calm and confident in contact with her, which helps her the most to build trust over time.
How long do anxious cats take?
It can take several days before a fearful cat dares to come out of hiding. Make sure it has free access to water, food, and the litter box, and otherwise leave her alone. It will probably eat something at night and use the toilet.
Which remedy calms cats?
Herbal tranquilizers for cats create pleasant stimuli through scents: the plant Nepeta cataria, better known as “catnip”, is particularly effective. Ingested orally, its active ingredient nepetalactone has a calming effect on cats, while its scent is more stimulating.
Can a cat be resentful?
Cats are sensitive and resentful. They react to the change in their living conditions with anger and withdrawal. Cats are very sensitive creatures of habit that can react to the slightest change in their living conditions with changes in their behavior.
How long is a cat offended?
Every cat is different. Some cats react relatively quickly, while others are very resentful and take longer to get back to “normal”. When your cat is offended, you have no choice but to give her the time she needs.